The gallbladder is a small pear-shaped organ that lies underneath the liver and is attached to it. The gallbladder essentially stores bile which is manufactured in the liver and the bile then flows down a small tube (the bile duct) into the bile duct to help with digestion.

Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) arise from neuroendocrine cells which are present in endocrine glands as well as many other organs in the body. A tumour is an abnormal growth of these cells in an organ of the body.

The gastro-intestinal (GI) system is an important organ system, associated with digestion, absorption and excretion of food. There are a number of conditions which may affect the normal functioning of the GI system.

Adrenal surgery involves removal of one or both adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are paired endocrine glands located above each kidney. The surgical procedure of adrenal gland removal is known as an adrenalectomy.

Laparoscopy is direct visualization of the abdominal cavity using an operating telescope. The laparoscope is a long thin instrument with a light source at its tip, to light up the inside of the abdomen or pelvis.

Varicose veins are veins that become enlarged and tortuous. They most commonly occur in the legs. There are two systems of veins in the legs – the deep venous system which is most important functionally and the superficial venous system from which varicose veins mostly arise.

A hernia is the abnormal protrusion of bowel or other tissue through a tear in the wall of the cavity which contains it. There are different types of herniae but the most common is an inguinal or groin hernia, which is more common in men.

Hyperhidrosis is a condition of excessive sweating in certain parts of the body. Axillary hyperhidrosis refers to severe sweating under the arms. Excessive sweating without any underlying medical condition is called primary hyperhidrosis.

Hepato-Biliary, Upper Gastro-Intestinal and General Surgeon
Associate Professor, University of Sydney

Dr Richardson is an Australian surgeon with over 20 years experience as a consultant surgeon dealing with a broad range of medical and surgical problems.

He graduated from Sydney Medical School at the University of Sydney, undertook surgical training at Westmead Hospital and was awarded the Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) in 1986.